KOTA KINABALU: All Malaysians must play a part in curbing leakages following the Budi Diesel programme which will be implemented nationwide starting July 1, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
At a briefing on the diesel subsidy in Sabah on Tuesday (June 23), the Finance Minister II said prior to this, the subsidised diesel system implemented for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, had seen leakages of over 1 billion litres so far this year.
“So it is important that we make sure our subsidy is enjoyed by Malaysians who are eligible,” he said, adding that as with all new policies, there will be an adaptation period, room to discuss what's right and wrong about the scheme and so on.
Amir said that money saved through plugging leakages, it will be channeled back for the wellbeing of the people.
Sabah Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who was present during the briefing, agreed with Amir, stating that leakages are a loss to Malaysians as well as the country.
“Imagine 1 billion of diesel is lost. Where did it go? I urge all citizens of Sabah to report if they know anyone selling subsidised diesel to those who are not eligible. Look after your own rice bowls, this is ours. Don’t allow others to share,” he said.
He said instead of pitying those who are not able to enjoy subsidised fuel, it was better to pity Malaysians who have to suffer losses due to leakages.
Masidi recalled in the past when the government gave out free fertilisers to farmers, there were people selling these subsidies or free items by the roadside on the way to Kudat.
“I hope this will not happen anymore here. I think Sabahans need to touch their roots, charity begins at home,” he said, explaining that leakages would continue to persist if Sabahans themselves do not protect their own rights.
He stressed that citizens must first be nationalistic so that what is meant for the rakyat, gets returned to the people.
Asked if any industries had called him up to complain about the new subsidy scheme so far, Masidi said not yet, but welcomed any feedback to improve the implementation of this scheme.
